WO2020016686A1

WO2020016686A1 - Structure intended to house people and/or products

Info

Publication number: WO2020016686A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/055434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Palazzetti; Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio
Original assignee: Savio Thesan SpA
Current assignee: Savio Thesan SpA
Priority date: 2018-07-19
Filing date: 2019-06-27
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-19
Also published as: IT201800007358A1

Abstract

A structure intended to house people and/or products comprising a separation wall (2) and/or a covering (29) which, in turn, comprise/s a group of modular panels (20) each comprising: - a casing (200) which, in turn, comprises a first and a second wall (21, 22) which are reciprocally opposite; - a thermal insulation means (35) interposed between the first and the second wall (21, 22); - a direct expansion heat pump (3) comprising a condenser (52) and an evaporator (51), said condenser (52) and said evaporator (51) being afforded respectively one in the first wall and one in the second wall of the casing (200).

Description

DESCRIPTION

STRUCTURE INTENDED TO HOUSE PEOPLE AND/OR PRODUCTS Technical Field

The present invention relates to a structure intended to house people and/or products provided with expedients with the aim of optimising energy consumptions, dimensions, system costs, maintenance and reliability. Such structure is preferably a building, but it could for example be a mobile element, such as for example a caravan or a camper van.

Prior Art

Structures are known that envisage the use of a heat pump for heating/cooling their interior environments.

Heat pumps have become established due to their efficiency and their ability to produce heat and cold with the same system, but they are relatively expensive and pose problems connected with the exchangers that handle the heat of the environment. A solution is also known that uses the fagade as the heat exchange element and that envisages exchange surfaces permeated by glycolated water that the heat pump heats or cools to yield or gain heat. In these systems the water is conveyed through a first circuit to a central thermodynamic unit that distributes energy to a second circuit (hydronic or aeraulic) to distribute the energy inside the building.

A drawback of such construction solution is connected with the fact that if the flow rate in the first circuit is consistent a circulation pump with significant electrical consumptions must be used. If the flow rate is reduced, the necessary temperature gradient would increase which would penalise the efficiency of the heat pump. In fact, the efficiency of a heat pump can be measured through the coefficient of performance (COP) which is inversely proportional to the temperature gradient with which it operates.

A further drawback is connected with the limits and difficulties connected with the creation on the site of a system with a heat pump that extends along the fagade of the building due to the numerous hydraulic joints.

Object of the invention In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to provide a structure intended to house people and/or products which economically and reliably obviates the drawbacks of the prior art as described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a structure intended to house people that allows the expedients to be implemented in order to optimise the energy consumption, at the same time exploiting surfaces not normally used for heat exchange purposes.

A further important aim is that of allowing quick and safe assembly of the structure even without having specialist labour available on the site.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a structure comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a structure, as schematically illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a front view of a structure according to the present invention;

- figure 2 shows a schematic view of a component of the structure of figure 1 .

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In the appended figures the reference number 1 means a structure intended to house people and/or products (products means any product deriving from hand or machine processing). As previously indicated the structure 1 could be a building 10 (also extending to cover a prefabricated structure). In an alternative solution the structure 1 could be a vehicle (e.g. a caravan or a self-propelled living module). Such structure 1 comprises a separation wall 2 and/or a covering 29. The wall 2 of the building 10 comprises an outer fagade 23 which extends between the top and the bottom. The covering 29 may for example be a ceiling or a roof. The wall 2 and/or the covering 29 in turn comprise(s) a group of modular panels 20. In the preferred solution the modular panels 20 of said group are adjacent to each other. Each of the panels 20 of said group is advantageously pre-assembled. They can be of the same or even different dimensions but can be positioned next to each other to create a modular system (in particular a substantially continuous surface). Each panel 20 is electrically connected, in particular it only requires an electrical connection. There is no heat transfer fluid at the inlet or outlet to/from each panel 20 of the group. There is instead usually a refrigerant fluid inside the panel 20 which remains confined thereto. Each panel 20 of the group comprises a casing 200 in turn comprising a first and a second wall 21 , 22 which are reciprocally opposite. As will be better described below, the first and the second wall 21 , 22 are separated by appropriate thermal insulation means 35. The casing 200 is typically made of metal, advantageously it is made of aluminium sheet metal. Appropriately, at least a part of the casing 200 is made by roll-bond technique. This technique allows even complex channels to be constructed for the necessary refrigerant fluid. Appropriately the casing 200 is closed. The inside of the casing 200 is accessible from the outside. The casing 200 can have a load-bearing function or be a cladding or non-load-bearing infill. A similar thing may be repeated for the panels 20 of the group.

The first and the second wall 21 , 22 preferably, but not necessarily, each have a surface area comprised between 2 m² and 7 m².

Each panel 20 of the group further comprises a heat pump 3. The heat pump 3 is integrated into the casing 200. The casing 200 is therefore a closed box that mechanically protects the insulation means 35 and/or at least a part of the heat pump 3 that is located inside it.

The heat pump 3 further comprises a condenser 52 and an evaporator 51 . The condenser 52 and the evaporator 51 are placed one at the first wall 21 and one at the second wall 22 of the casing 2. In particular, one is afforded in the first and one in the second wall 21 , 22 of the casing 2. The condenser 52 and the evaporator 51 affect the entire thickness one of one portion of the first wall 21 and one of one portion of the second wall 22.

The thermal insulation means 35 is physically interposed between the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52.

In particular, the condenser 52 and the evaporator 51 define one at least one portion of the first wall 21 and the other at least one portion of the second wall 22 of the casing 2.

Appropriately the temperature along at least 75% of the first wall 21 is substantially uniform (e.g. with a variability less than 3°C). Likewise, the temperature along at least 75% of the second wall 22 is substantially uniform (e.g. with a variability less than 3°C). This allows the formation of moulds or stains connected with non-uniform accumulation of dust to be minimised (absence of thermal bridges). Furthermore, this allows an optimal COP (Coefficient of Performance, resulting from the ratio between the thermal power absorbed by the evaporator 51 and the required electrical power) of the heat pump 3 to be obtained.

Appropriately, the second wall 22 is facing towards the outside of the structure 1 whereas the first heat exchange wall 21 is facing towards the inside of the structure 1 .

The heat pump 3 operates by direct expansion. In that case, the heat pump 3 (or however the refrigerant fluid inside it) appropriately exchanges heat with the air or with a surface to be conditioned without the interposition of a further refrigerant fluid. The heat pump 3 therefore allows the structure 1 to be heated/cooled without the interposition of an additional fluid-dynamic circuit that projects outside the panel 20. In the preferred embodiment the casing 200 is rigid. This allows the panel to be made load-bearing and protection to be given to the insulation means 35 that could, in this case, also be under vacuum so that in a small thickness large insulation factors can be obtained. The casing 200 is pre-assembled. The casing 200 therefore comprises a connection means with an electric power supply and can house the electrical wiring necessary for enabling it. All this contributes to the cost effectiveness of the system as a whole. The evaporator 51 and the condenser 52 in a first operating mode are afforded respectively at the first and the second wall 21 , 22 (this is the operating mode illustrated in figure 2); in a second operating mode, the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52 are afforded respectively at the second wall 22 and the first wall 21 . In particular, the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52 in a first operating mode form respectively the first and the second wall 21 , 22 (this is the operating mode illustrated in figure 2); in a second operating mode, the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52 form respectively the second wall 22 and the first wall 21 .

Passing from the first to the second operating mode or vice versa it is possible to decide whether to heat or cool the inside of the structure 1 . On this point, the panels 20 of the first group can comprise a cycle inversion valve 36.

The heat pump 3 of each of said panels 20 comprises a compressor 33. The heat pump 3 of each of said panels 20 comprises at least a pair of expansion valves 34. It allows the refrigerant fluid of the heat pump 3 to be cooled. The compressor 33 is placed downstream of the evaporator 51 and upstream of the condenser 52. At least one expansion valve 34 is functionally downstream of the condenser 52 and upstream of the evaporator 51 .

In a different operating mode from the one illustrated in figure 2 in the event that the structure 1 is to be heated, the evaporator 51 is on the second wall 22 (the one facing towards the outside of the structure 1 ). It takes heat away from the external environment to yield it to the inside through the condenser 52. The refrigerant fluid of the heat pump 3 in the evaporator 51 takes heat away from the external environment, is subsequently compressed in the compressor, yields heat to the structure 1 in the condenser 52 and is then cooled through expansion via the expansion valve 34. The cycle is then repeated in an identical way. In the event that the structure 1 is to be cooled, the evaporator 51 is in the first wall 21 (the one facing towards the structure 1 ) while the condenser 52 is in the second wall 22 (the one facing towards the outside of the structure 1 ). In this way the evaporator 51 takes heat away from the structure and yields it to the external environment through the condenser 52.

The evaporator 51 and the condenser 52 define the structural elements of the casing 200 that mechanically protect the inside of the casing 200 that houses the insulation means 35.

As previously mentioned, the first and/or the second wall 21 , 22 are conveniently but not necessarily made with roll-bond technology that houses a channel (possibly even complex) permeated by the refrigerant fluid.

The wall 2 and/or the covering 29 are/is a wall and/or an outer covering that separates an environment at controlled temperature from an environment at a different temperature from the one of said controlled temperature environment. Such environment at a different temperature from that of said environment at controlled temperature is typically the outside of the structure 1 , in particular of the building 10. It could also be an internal environment; e.g. it could separate an environment used as an office (in which the temperature is controlled) from an environment used as a workshop (where temperature control could be absent or however less binding).

As previously indicated, each panel 20 of said group comprises a thermal insulation means 35 interposed between the first and the second wall 21 , 22. Such thermal insulation means 35 may be of various kinds. For example, it may comprise a layer of insulating foam that solidifies after application (e.g. a polyurethane foam). In an alternative solution, the thermal insulation means 35 can comprise an aero-gel under vacuum which in a small amount of space creates excellent insulation. The positioning in a protected area inside the casing 200 ensures that the risks that during installation or maintenance holes can be made with a loss of vacuum are minimised.

Appropriately, inside the casing 200 the panels 20 of said group can comprise an acoustic absorption means. It could coincide with the thermal insulation means 35. Advantageously, it can comprise a solidified foam possibly containing massive grains (high gravimetric density grains, e.g. of lead).

However, the wall 2 could comprise a support covered by said group of panels 20. The support therefore sustains the panels 20. It could for example be made of masonry. In that case the panels 20 do not usually have a structural function. This could for example happen in the event in which the panels 20 perform the function of insulation cladding on an already existing structure 1 . In that case the insulation cladding could be made on the internal or the external side of the structure 1 . Advantageously, the panels 20 would allow a thinner insulation cladding to be obtained, even in the order of about 5 centimetres.

The wall 2 could possibly define a ventilated fagade (or however a ventilated wall). In that case there may be a gap intended for the passage of air and interposed between the panels 20 and a portion of wall of a building (which for example can act as anchorage for the panels 20).

Advantageously, the structure 1 can comprise an electronic control means that controls the heat pump 3 of one or more of the panels 20 of the group. The electronic control means can exploit for example one or more temperature sensors as an input. For example, the control means could exploit as an input an external temperature sensor (meaning external to the structure 1 ) and/or an internal temperature sensor (meaning internal to the structure 1 ).

The control means could modify the characteristics of the electrical power supply (e.g. power supply frequency and/or power supply voltage) of the heat pump 3 of one or more (preferably all) of the panels 20 of the group. Appropriately, through the panels 20 the heat that the structure 1 yields to the external environment is“brought back” by the heat pump 3.

In fact, the heat lost by the panel in winter operation raises the temperature of the evaporator 51 increasing the COP of the system. The flow of heat yielded to the external environment is minimal.

Given the low flows of heat in question and the fact that part of the heat comes from the inside, the temperature of the refrigeration fluid will be substantially constant on the entire panel and proximal to that of the external environment, thus promoting an improvement of the COP of the heat pump. Furthermore, even if the surface of the metal casing 200 were visible without any specific finishes, it could however be pleasant. In fact, finishes with visible aluminium surfaces are well known and appreciated in the building sector.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

First of all, it allows modular panels to be able to be made in the factory so that on the site they only need to be assembled. This allows non-specialist labour to be used on the site without jeopardising functionality and safety. Furthermore, the factory assembly of the panels means they can be made with maximum reliability and their operation can be tested in advance which would not instead be possible if the heating/cooling system was made directly on the site.

The modular panels are also very light and this is an advantage for the compliance with earthquake-proofing parameters. They may have reduced thicknesses and this allows the dimensions to be minimised for making thermal cladding in existing structures. Similarly, in new structures, the reduced thickness allows the walkable surface area to be optimised. Another important advantage is the absence of methane and of systems for moving the heat transfer fluid and technical rooms. Furthermore, the second surface 22 (facing towards the outside) may be at least in part coated with photovoltaic panels.

The invention as it is conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept characterising it. Furthermore, all the details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to requirements.

Claims

1 . A structure intended to house people and/or products comprising a separation wall (2) and/or a covering (29) which, in turn, comprise a group of modular panels (20) each comprising:

- a casing (200) which, in turn, comprises a first and a second wall (21 , 22) which are reciprocally opposite;

- a thermal insulation means (35) interposed between the first and the second wall (21 , 22);

- a direct expansion heat pump (3) comprising a condenser (52) and an evaporator (51 ), said condenser (52) and said evaporator (51 ) being placed one at the first wall (21 ) and one at the second wall (22) of the casing (2).

2. The structure according to claim 1 , characterized in that said condenser (52) and said evaporator (51 ) define the one at least one portion of the first wall (21 ) and the other at least one portion of the second wall (22) of the casing (2).

3. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said casing (200) is rigid.

4. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat pump (3) of each of said panels (20) comprises a compressor (33) and an expansion valve (34).

5. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in a first operating mode, the evaporator (51 ) and the condenser (52) are afforded at the first and second wall (21 , 22) respectively; in a second operating mode the evaporator (51 ) and the condenser (52) are afforded at the second and first wall respectively.

6. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation wall (2) or the covering (29) is an outer wall which separates a controlled temperature environment from an environment at a different temperature compared to that in said controlled temperature environment.

7. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a building (10).

8. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and said second wall (21 , 22) each have a surface area comprised between 2 m² and 7 m².

9. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modular panels (20) of said group are adjacent to one another.

10. The structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second wall (22) is at least partially covered with photovoltaic panels.